There's an image I came across, likely due to the algorithm, yet timely. Its of two hands. On the left, a young person. Hand is smooth, skin, perfect. Not a blemish or flaw. On the right an aged hand. Darker, each wrinkle and line telling a story. Skin looks elastic.
Both these hands hover a caption: "it is only a short trip, enjoy it."
(SEE IMAGE ABOVE)
The day-to-day distracts us from realizing how "short" this trip is. There are kids. Responsibilities. Work. Advancements in it. Doctors appointments. Annoying relatives. Spouses. A social life or lack thereof. we fight for the time to read, exercise and rest. Vacations. The gala we said yes to, but don't want to attend. So much bullshit.
A timely reminder - another one, enjoy it. The hard part with so much to do is the balance we crave to have. With so much to do, it becomes invariably hard to get there. With such a short trip, treat it as you would a short trip to your favorite destination or dream one. Do what matters most, ignore the rest. Do the essential, forget the rest.
Find work you love, by doing a lot of what you don't. Love yourself before someone else. Have real friendships not deal friendships. Have a code to live by. Do what you want, now, in the cracks of your day. Don’t wait for “retirement.” Life is happening here, now. Not then! Sleep just enough. Eat good. Exercise. Watch the sun rise and set. Stare at the stars at night... enjoy it. All of it.